The Higher Education Review

'Excellence in large-scale education' is what defines Sri Ramaswamy Memorial Institute of Science and Technology, formerly SRM University. One of the top-ranked private universities in Asia, SRM has over 38, 000 students and more than 2600 faculty across all the campus in South India. Foreign faculty, flexible and dynamic curriculum, exciting research and global connections are the features that set SRM apart. Established in 1999, Valliammai Engineering College is one of the premier institutes in the SRM group, working with a motive of producing innovative young engineers to contribute to the healthy society. An ISO 9001-2015 certified institute, Valliammai Engineering College offers seven UG courses, seven PG Courses and seven Ph.D. Research Centres with the approval of AICTE and affiliation of Anna University, Chennai. NBA and NAAC have also accredited the institute with 'A' grade.

"Our institution stands out on various parameters from the best of education, placement and most importantly the quality of students. Students are drawn from all walks of life, from all sides of India, from all directions of the globe making our institute more ethically, a diverse learning center," says Ravi Pachamoothoo, Chairman, SRM Group. Unlike many engineering colleges in India, Valliammai Engineering College has given paramount importance to the research and development activities in the campus. The institute has close interactions with several R&D institutions and the institutions of higher learning in India.

"We have signed 34 MoUs with leading companies. We have institutional Memberships with ISTE, CSI, ICTACT, MMA and Renewable Energy Club, and students chapters, namely, IEEE, SAE IETE, IE(I), ISA and CSI. A total 244 Faculties are having a membership with 42 professional bodies," claims Dr. B. Chidhambara Rajan, Principal, Valliammai Engineering College.

To fulfill the lag found in our Indian education system, Valliammai Engineering College has been working hard from the past to lead the future generations into R&D and innovation. The Civil Engineering Department of the institute has excellent laboratories and computing facilities to support frontier research in the diverse specializations. Advanced Structural Engineering lab of the department occupies an area of 900 square feet with the latest equipment such as loading frame with capacity 100T to test the different structural components. The material testing lab is equipped with the latest technology to test the construction materials, water samples and bitumen and so on. A separate computational lab is installed with 90 systems with advanced structural software like STADD PRO V8i, ETABS, and AutoCAD. Apart from the regular laboratories as per the curriculum, the department has a unique and state of art 'Material Museum', which has all the latest advanced materials for updating the students' knowledge through their own projects.

To fulfill the lag found in our Indian education system, Valliammai Engineering College has been working hard from the past to lead the future generations into R&D and innovation."

As an active entity in the process of knowledge building, Valliammai Engineering College understands the importance of active relationship between academia and industry. Dr. T. P. Ganesan, Director of Valliammai Engineering College says, "It is mandatory for the departments to tie up and sign MoUs with the companies for various purposes. The Civil Engineering Department is in constant touch with the industry people for keeping our students abreast in their field." The active relationship of the institute with industry paves way for the students to interact with industry people directly and get first-hand information about their field and the latest developments in it. Indeed, it is a win-win situation for both students and the companies. While the students gain a wide exposure through this, companies are able to understand the strength of students and help them to prepare for the upcoming challenges. A construction company 'M/S. Green Pearl' owned by the SRM group also helps training the students in providing practical knowledge.

Dr. M. Murugan, Vice-Principal of

Valliammai Engineering College opines, "Civil Engineering students of our college are trained right from 2nd year to make them industry ready. We expose them to various job opportunities in the Civil Engineering field through workshops and guest lectures, which are conducted by industry people." The efforts were taken by the institute to fine-tune its graduates are evident in the yearly placement record. In the academic year 2016-17, a total strength of 32 students from the Civil Engineering has been placed with an average salary of Rs.2,49,125 and a maximum salary of Rs.3,50,000 per annum. Core companies such as CADeploy Engineering and Disha interiors are regular recruiters of the Valliammai Engineering College. Apart from that, students have also been placed in Accenture, Tech Mahindra, CPLR Softech, KAAR Technologies, Sutherland Global services and many more.

Today, the alumni members of the Valliammai Engineering College are spread across the globe. While many have completed PG degree in various universities in India and abroad, a good number of its alumni have started their own construction companies. In fact, Valliammai Engineering College is not only focused in developing students to work the corporate world, but also makes leaders who can create opportunities for the future generation. "Our alumni are often in the position to exchange their expertise to the institution. Indeed, our students are our most loyal supporters and ambassadors," concludes Ravi Pachamoothoo.

Message from the Chairman
"Valliammai Engineering College always heads further to lead the learner on to the right path of grooming to excel as professionals of the great caliber to flourish in their field" - Ravi Pachamoothoo

Dr. B. Chidhambara Rajan, Principal
Dr. B. Chidhambara Rajan obtained his Bachelor's degree in Electronics & Communications Engineering, Masters degree in Microwave & Optical engineering from Madurai Kamaraj University and a Ph.D. from Anna University, Chennai. He has 27 years of teaching experience in government and reputed private institutions. He has published several technical papers in national and international journals and conferences. He has also guided few Ph.D. research scholars.